Welfare Evaluations of Zoo Animals in the Philippines

We have evaluated welfare standards of zoo animals in five major zoological institutions in the Philippines namely Avilon Zoo, Wildlife Rescue Center, Manila Zoo, Zoobic Zoo and Baluarte Zoo. We have interviewed both visitors and zoo keepers to assess animal welfare standards, especially on the health, nutrition, behavior, shelter, display, space, documentation, signage, and other management practices. All the five zoos showed significant difference on the mean scores of visitors and zoo keepers. The Avilon Zoo received the highest standard rating followed by Zoobic, Manila Zoo, Baluarte Zoo, and Wildlife Rescue Center. Besides, we have identified several problems related to animal welfare and zoo management. We have made appropriate recommendations to all the five zoos to improve animal welfare standards following regional and international standards.